Tragically, authorities have recovered a body believed to be that of a 20-year-old female bushwalker at Belmore Falls. Reports indicated that she had slipped and fallen while hiking, prompting a search operation after she was reported missing on Sunday afternoon.

Multiple agencies, including NSW Police rescue, NSW Ambulance rescue, State Emergency Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Polair, and the Toll rescue helicopter, were involved in an extensive search effort for the woman. 

Due to adverse weather conditions, the search was initially hindered but resumed on Tuesday morning at 8 am.

After hours of scouring the area, police divers made a grim discovery around 11:30 am – the body of a woman. While authorities believe it is the missing bushwalker, formal identification is pending.

This tragic incident follows a similar event in September last year when a 28 year old man died from falling from a cliff at Belmore falls. This prompted the National Parks and Wildlife Service to issue a stern reminder about the dangers of accessing the base of Illawarra's Gerringong and Belmore Falls. 

Area Manager Graham Bush emphasised: "These areas are dangerous and there is a high risk of injury or death from unstable rock faces, dangerous cliff edges and slippery surfaces.”

Signs warning of the dangers and prohibiting access are installed at both waterfalls. 

The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of adhering to safety guidelines provided by experts familiar with these environments, and the potential consequences of disregarding these warnings.